{"id":297271,"date":"2026-02-27T13:57:16","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T11:57:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/?p=297271"},"modified":"2026-02-27T13:57:17","modified_gmt":"2026-02-27T11:57:17","slug":"watch-mantashe-prioritises-body-recovery-over-mine-liquidation-at-disaster-hit-ekapa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/noordkaapbulletin\/watch-mantashe-prioritises-body-recovery-over-mine-liquidation-at-disaster-hit-ekapa\/","title":{"rendered":"WATCH | Mantashe prioritises body recovery over mine liquidation at disaster-hit Ekapa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe has made a second visit to the disaster-stricken Ekapa Mine, firmly stating that the immediate priority remains recovering five bodies from underground rather than discussing the mine’s financial future amid a voluntary liquidation application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rescue operation has reached a pivotal stage after water was successfully pumped from the affected area. Teams are now working to clear stones and mud. The disaster occurred on 17 February following an early-morning mud rush that trapped five contract workers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Minister Mantashe expressed hope on Friday 27 February that search teams would reach the first body by tomorrow, though he noted this remained an estimate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“The priority is to take those bodies out from underground. Anything else is a disaster. You don’t talk liquidation in the middle of a disaster.” <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

– Gwede Mantashe<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Whilst mine management has indicated it is applying for liquidation, the minister insisted such processes be delayed until the recovery mission is complete. Addressing the site’s long-term viability, Mantashe noted that diamonds remain in the mine and suggested a “lean and mean” management structure is necessary for marginal operations to survive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mineral and Petroleum \u00a0Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, and Northern Cape MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, Venus Blennies. PHOTO: Facebook<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

He clarified that the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources acts as regulator, not financial backer, and will not provide direct financial support to the mine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“A mine must employ top-class managers to run operations appropriately,” he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Discussions to continue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Mantashe also addressed concerns regarding unpaid February salaries and potential job losses for more than 1 000 workers. He placed responsibility for these issues squarely on the unions, specifically the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) and Uasa<\/a>, urging them to maintain regular communication with management rather than delegating their duties to the state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ALSO READ: <\/strong>Tragic end to 158-year diamond mining era: Five miners lost, Ekapa faces liquidation<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regarding displaced workers, Mantashe noted that retrenchment would be handled through various interventions as situations arise. Other mines may recruit affected staff as needed, whilst a new owner could potentially take over the mine to preserve jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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